PAINTING IN 58 NATIONAL PARKS IN 58 MONTHS
The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.
John Muir
Get out of the car and walk into the landscape.
This seems obvious, but the effect of doing just that has been profound. After spending thousands of miles viewing the landscape from an automobile, this idea, to get out of the car, to walk into and be in the landscape, to really see and know it, is at the heart of my work as an artist... because I seek a direct relationship with the landscape through painting it.
I have already painted in some of the National Parks, but the idea of painting them has long simmered in my thought. So, in February of 2010, in Saguaro National Park, I began this painting project, and by December of 2014, 58 months later, I hope to reach my goal.
I invite you to follow this project here on www.58in58.com. I now have posted a schedule of my painting trips, images of paintings, and have added journal entries of news and notes from this adventure. I invite anyone who would like, to join me for a day or for a week, to camp, hike, write, paint along side me, or to paint with me as a student. The experience will be made richer by your companionship and commentary, and I look forward to staying in touch with you a long the way.
How to paint the landscape: First you make your bow to the landscape. Then you wait, and if the landscape bows to you, then, and only then, can you paint the landscape.
John Marin
Hope to see you out there!
Duncan Martin
Painting in Canyonlands April 2011
"Tundra, Tower" 72 x 84" oil on canvas